Vol. 518 No. 1
47 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the action she will take to properly protect our archaeological heritage in view of the report by the Heritage Council that our national monuments are being destroyed at the rate of 10% every year. [10925/00]
The Heritage Council's recent report on archaeological features at risk indicates there is a destruction rate in archaeological sites of 10% every ten years and not 10% per annum as the Deputy suggests. I have welcomed the publication of this report as it brings a new focus to the problem of the destruction of archaeological monuments, which has been a source of concern to me and to the archaeological survey of Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department.
I previously acknowledged that this problem exists, notwithstanding the significant legislative powers which are available to me. I am currently looking at means by which the services provided by my Department's conservation rangers in the ecological field could be extended to include some monitoring of archaeological sites as well as a repositioning of the archaeological services in my Department so as to provide a more localised service that brings it closer to those heritage sites that we are endeavouring to preserve and protect. In addition, I am exploring means by which local authorities would assume an enhanced role in the protection of the archaeological heritage at a local level while I also see scope in developing alliances with other local interest groups whereby they could assist in keeping a watch over archaeological sites and monuments at local level. These are initiatives which I intend to explore further in consultation with the Heritage Council in the context of the proposed national heritage plan which I will be circulating later this year.
I emphasise, however, that all known archaeological sites and monuments have been entered in the record of monuments established under section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act, 1994. Notice of the publication of the record for each county has been given in the local newspapers and copies of the record are available in public libraries, local authority planning offices and certain Teagasc offices. Landowners should, if they have not already done so, check the record to see if any recorded monuments are on their land as they are required to give two months written notification to Dúchas prior to carrying out works at or in relation to a recorded monument.
I also see the need for better education and public awareness, which I am constantly striving to achieve through various initiatives, including an annual heritage newsletter to all primary schools in the country. This and other initiatives will be pursued further in the context of the heritage plan. The plan will also be concentrating on initiatives to provide better training for all those who work for the protection of heritage to ensure they are equipped with sufficient levels of knowledge and practical training to allow them carry out their roles to the greatest advantage.
As the Deputy will be aware, the principal legislative protection for archaeological sites and monuments is contained in the National Monuments Acts, 1930 to 1994. Notices were placed in the main national newspapers on 15 November 1999 inviting submissions from interested parties in relation to a proposed review of the National Monuments Acts, 1930 to 1994, and related legislation.
As the public consultation phase of the review is now complete, it is my intention that the review will lead to the drafting of consolidated and, where appropriate, revised and extended legislation for the protection of the archaeological, architectural, and historic heritage.
I am confident that through these various measures the destruction of our archaeological sites can be arrested and hopefully will be substantially eliminated in the foreseeable future.
So it is 10% every ten years, but is it not disastrous that our archaeological heritage is being destroyed every day of the week, something which is well known? Builders and farmers carrying out reclamation and drainage works are destroying our heritage every day and nothing is being done about it. Last summer I raised a case with the Minister in the House about which she was unaware, namely, the destruction of a very ancient building in Clonmacnoise. A farmer was prosecuted in this case, the only prosecution I have seen in the past ten or 15 years. What is the Minister doing? Is there any will to do something about it? Does the Minister have the manpower to ensure these sites are protected or, as indicated by the Heritage Council, is this a total disaster in terms of our archaeological heritage?
We acknowledge that there are difficulties which must be faced immediately. That is why I am examining the possibility of extending the role of my Department's conservation rangers in the ecological field to include some monitoring of archaeological sites. I am also examining how local authorities can assume an enhanced role in the protection of our archaeological heritage. Of course, the national heritage plan will be published and I will be working on initiatives with the Heritage Council, which plays an important consultative part in terms of the national heritage plan.
Education, of course, is perhaps the most important aspect of this and better education and public awareness about the need to protect our heritage is necessary. That is why I am constantly striving to see how we can implement further initiatives in this regard, not least through the annual heritage newsletter which is sent to all primary schools. The National Monuments Acts, 1930 to 1994, need to be reviewed and, again, I have taken the opportunity to do this under the national heritage plan. We can ascertain whether further legislation is needed to strengthen this area.
We need action, not legislation. There has been no action.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
